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Quarantine of Newly Received Animals and Isolation of Sick or Potentially Infected Animals

Number: IACUC-POL-040 

Responsible Office: Office of Research and Creative Scholarship (ORCS) 

Applies to: All Principal Investigators, animal care staff, and personnel involved in the care, handling, or use of animals under UM IACUC oversight. 

1. Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to clearly define and differentiate quarantine and isolation practices to protect animal welfare, personnel, ongoing research, and the facility environment. Quarantine applies to animals newly received from non-preferred vendors, while isolation applies to animals with known or suspected clinical or subclinical infections. 

2. Background 

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (2010, p. 112) requires institutions to have policies addressing the separation of animals based on health status. While both quarantine and isolation involve physical separation, they serve different purposes and are implemented under different circumstances. Clear distinction between these practices is essential for effective biosecurity and veterinary oversight. 

3. Definitions 

Quarantine: The separation and monitoring of newly received animals without known illness to allow time for health evaluation and to prevent the introduction of infectious agents into established colonies. 

Isolation: The separation of animals with known or suspected clinical or subclinical disease to prevent transmission to other animals and protect animal and personnel health. 

4. Policy Procedures 

Quarantine of Animals from Non-Preferred Vendors  

(Laboratory Animal Resources keeps a current list of Approved Vendors) 

1. Animals received from non-approved or non-preferred vendors must undergo a minimum six-week quarantine period. 
2. Quarantined animals must be housed in a designated quarantine area physically separated from established colonies. 
3. Animals in quarantine must be monitored daily for health status and may undergo diagnostic testing as determined by the Attending Veterinarian (AV). 
4. No animal may be released from quarantine without written clearance from the AV or designee. 

Isolation of Sick or Potentially Infected Animals 

1. Animals exhibiting clinical signs of illness, or those suspected or confirmed to have a clinical or subclinical infection, must be placed in isolation immediately. 
2. Isolation housing must be clearly labeled, access-restricted, and use appropriate engineering and administrative controls. 
3. Personnel entering isolation areas must follow all required PPE, sanitation, and biosecurity procedures. 
4. Veterinary evaluation, treatment plans, and animal health observations must be documented in the animal’s medical record. 
5. Animals remain in isolation until the AV determines they are no longer a risk to other animals or personnel.  

5. Oversight and Documentation 

• The Attending Veterinarian has authority over all quarantine and isolation decisions. 
• All quarantine and isolation actions must be documented and maintained as part of institutional animal health records. 
• These practices must align with federal regulations, institutional policies, and IACUC-approved protocols.  

6. References 

1. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Edition. NRC, 2010, p. 112. 
2. Animal Welfare Act and Regulations, 9 CFR, Chapter I, Subchapter A. 

7. Review, Approval and Version History 

Review and approval version history for this policy

Version	Date	Description of Changes	Approved By
1.0	February 10, 2026	Initial policy creation	IACUC Committee